Ankle Fractures

There is a wide spectrum of injuries that fall into the heading of ankle fractures. Here at OTL we have the experience and expertise to treat them through our work at our Major Trauma Centre.

Simple ankle fracture may be managed with an Air Cast Boot or in a plaster cast. We will also be able to advice you on the weight bearing status and if you require medication to prevent blood clots whilst immobilised.

Complex fractures will often need surgery. This will be performed once the swelling and soft tissues permit. The advantage of using OTL is that we have our own dedicated Plastic Surgeons that can assist with soft tissue problems.

Surgery

If surgery is required then this will be performed under a general or spinal anaesthesia. Once the fractures have been fixed and x rays taken in theatre confirm a good correction, the limb will be placed in plaster. The duration of the plaster will vary depending on the fracture type. We aim to get you into an Air Cast Boot as soon as possible for gentle exercises and aid hygiene. You will require crutches while the fracture is heeling. Regular follow-ups with x rays will ensure that the fracture is heeling correctly.

Recovery

We will refer you for physiotherapy as soon as it is safe to do so. This will aid your recovery and help you return back to normal function. Most procedures do not require the metalwork to be removed but in some instances it will need to be removed once it has completed its function.

This complex ankle fracture (Pilon fracture) shows the front of the ankle to be broken into multiple fragments (bone fragments in red ovals) and the ankle joint dislocated. It was temporarily stabilised at another hospital with an external fixator and sent to us for definitive fixation.

This complex ankle fracture initially suggests only two breaks but there is a large fragment of bone hidden at the back (dotted red line) which also needs plating from the back or the fixation will fail.